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SIU Investigation into Hamilton Shooting Continues

TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is
continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting
of a man by an officer of the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) on February 12,
2009.
On Thursday, February 12, 2009 six investigators and three forensic
investigators from the SIU responded to Hamilton to probe the actions of the
HPS in the shooting of 18-year-old William Beckingham. Investigation to this
point has determined that Mr. Beckingham sustained gunshot wounds during his
contact with officers of the HPS.
Mr. Beckingham underwent surgery at Hamilton General Hospital. His
injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
SIU investigators will be back in the James St. N. and Strachan Ave. area
today to continue the investigation. They will be conducting a canvass of the
area of the shooting in order to identify and interview any members of the
public who may have witnessed the incident.
The SIU has designated one subject officer and four witness officers from
the HPS.
The SIU is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to
contact the Unit at 416-641-1867 or 1-800-787-8529 extension 1867.
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries
(including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police.
Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is
mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an
officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where
warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid
against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to
the Attorney General.